And they’re off! Turtles race for the finish line at the turtle races. (Johnson Publications photo)

“Sombrero” turtle wins first heat. (Johnson Publications photo)

Exciting fair action in turtle arena

Becky Kuntzelman The Imperial Republican

The weather was perfect for 31 youths and their turtles who competed in the turtle races last Wednesday at the fairgrounds. There was a great turn-out of spectators, as well, to cheer on their favorite turtles.
Many of the turtles showed up sporting brightly colored shells and designs, with one festive turtle wearing a sombrero for his race debut.
The turtles were divided into groups of five, and competed in six heats (six turtles in heat six).
“Sombrero” turtle, owned by Nevaeh Martin, won the first heat. Slade Stolz’s turtle won the second heat, followed by the third heat turtle winner owned by Michael Fanning.
Heats four, five and six were won by turtles owned by Gentry Moe, Jordyn Stafford and Zoey Kelley, respectively. All six heat winners won a coupon for a snow cone.
The six heat winners then competed in a final race for the grand prize of a carnival mega pass. Zoey Kelley and her turtle, wearing a large red “Z” on its back, were the grand prize winners.
Sponsors for this year’s action-packed turtle races were Rusher Landscaping and Anderson Fencing and Seamless Gutters, LLC.